August 31, 2010

It is always fun when you see things that you think are bigger than life... this chair has to be the biggest chair I have ever seen!

Who needs a chair this big?

We were at Sam's tonight... and the kids discovered this HUGE chair.

I just thought it would be a fun blog topic so I got a picture to share.

I reminded me of being small... when I thought everything was so big. I remember thinking my bed, my country house, my mom's shoes, everything was so big. But as an adult you don't have to many "bigger than life moments"... so I thought this was one of those rare "bigger than life" moments. Sitting in it mades you feel so small.

Although I am not sure of the purpose of needing a chair this big... it was fun to blog about!

August 30, 2010

There are a lot of important people in my life...

My husband.

My Kids.

My Friends.

Tonight I would like to write about some clients. I love what I do, and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know so many wonderful people. It not just about the photo... for me it's more about building relationships over the years.

In this last year I have gotten to know some really amazing people. People that make a difference in my day to day life... people that make me want to be a better person.

One of those families is my friend (client)... Nili. I just love talking to her, and getting to know her family more. You can since her genuine spirit and I know she is a great friend to those around her.

She has been one of those people who I always enjoy seeing and I look forward to every session. I am looking forward to getting to know her more on a personal level...

She is also friends with another friend (client)... Amiti... who you will get to meet later! She is one of the funniest people I know... and soon you will see why. I think she is next Thursday's blog (we all have a lunch date, so I can get her photo then)!

I love learning about Nili's culture, and at the last session her little one had on the most beautiful dress. The colors were beautiful... I believe she said it was sent from a grandparent.

It's families like hers and so many of you out there that make this job so special.

So for you, it might be about the photo... for me it is that plus the friendships that I have made over the years.

I am looking forward to these next few months ahead... Yes it will be busy... but all so worth it!

August 29, 2010

It is almost the end of the month, and I have one more birthday to blog about!

Little Miss D....

It is hard to believe that I have known this family for over two years now. I met them for the first time when she came to get pregnancy photos done.

I just knew they would become one of my favorite families... they were just so nice.

I always look forward to the times I get to spend with this family capturing some special moments.

Today as I was editing their photos they just had done for Miss D's second birthday... it took me back to that very first session with her. I remembered thinking, "This is one of the most beautiful babies". And I still think that today.

It was fun to see her little personality last weekend. (my favorite is her little smirk at the end of the session... too cute!)

I remembered when my kids were 2, and just how fun that year was. I also remember wishing someone had told me just how great the 2 year old age was...and to treasure it... because the 3's were not that fun! Remember that parents of 2 year olds... 3 is the new "horrible two's". (hahah)

So as I got to spend time with this wonderful two year old... I also got to reflect back on the last two years of knowing this family.

I am not sure I have ever told them, but some of their photos are still my all-time favorites! I once entered their new born photo of them kissing her (first photo above) into a photo contest, and one judge said... this will be a lifelong favorite for this family. I hope it is.

Thanks for letting me capture a few of your moments along the way! I just think you are an amazing family.

August 28, 2010

A new Chapter in the Boddy family....

My husband is one of the greatest persons I have even known.

We have known each other since we were teenagers. We grew up together... so I know him really well.

He is kind, encouraging, and dedicated.

I would have to be honest in saying life has not always been smooth sailing... we got married in college, had Maddyn early in our marriage, and also moved half-way across the country for a job. (all changes we learned a lot through, and cherish today)

What a lot of people don't know... is Robbie was in school while we made all of these huge changes.

It was not easy, but we made it. Then after Robbie graduated from College... he made a new goal: His MASTERS.

I thought "You are finally done, we can finally see each other and do things.. and you want to go back!?!?" The answer was "Yes". He said he wanted to be done with school by the time Maddyn was done with Kindergarten.

So he went back to accomplish getting his Masters.

He has given up family time, datenights, and sleep to get this done... all while providing for our family.

I know Robbie has worked hard to get this goal accomplishment. So, this year as Maddyn started first grade, he turned in his last assignment.

I think goals are important... It gives you reasons to strive for better things in life. I am thankful that Robbie has accomplished another goal that means so much to him.

We are not sure exactly what having a masters degree will mean for him... but I am sure that there are only good things ahead!

I am thankful for the husband that I have. Degree or no degree.... I have never met a man that has such respect and dedication for his family and friends.

(To Robbie)
I wish I could sum up in words just how much you mean to me...but I don't think those words exist.

I am looking forward to this new chapter in our lives of NO SCHOOL!


PS-Just for the record...I am all for a PHD...but just take a little break :)

August 27, 2010

I have always cherished good friends and moms that I can learn from.

These are the moms at my MOMS table this year.

I remember when Maddyn was just a few months. I was that new mom that had no idea what she was doing. So as you can guess, I was also that mom that was calling all my friends who had kids asking "what do I do!"? When the say it takes a village to raise a child.... they are not kidding.

I have learned so many valuable things from my other mom friends, and I am sure this year will be no different. I am really looking forward to this coming year and getting to know these women. Many of them have young kids and a few of us have a little older kids. So I am sure with all of the knowledge that we have gained over the years, we will have some great converstations on how to be better moms!

In these past few months, I have been trying really hard to be intentional in all I do... and parenting tops the list. It is a hard job, but being an intentional parent will hopefully only insure that my kids get the best life possible... and then go on to be great people in the world.

Thanks to all the great mom friends I have that encourage me, and love me.

August 26, 2010

Today we had a little balloon adventure... or at least for a 4 year old.

We went to lunch and got this balloon... a blue one.

The first adventure this little balloon had was it was almost lost into space. Brock let go of the balloon, but fortunately for the balloon it was caught on a sunshade and then later rescued by the restaurant manager.

We then get home... and the balloon is almost lost to our high ceilings...

It was at this point that Brock says "this Balloon sure is having a bad day".

Little did we know... the adventures were not over.

After Brock let the balloon go in the livingroom it was captured by the fan!

In a panic Brock ran to the switched, turned it off and said... "It's still alive!".

I sat there and laughed so hard... I have never seen him run so fast and look so panicked!

He asked if the balloon was going to make it... I told him "I think so".

After telling Brock "This balloon has had a rough day"... he responds..."I know, it keeps having problems".

I love these cute little problems a 4 year old faces!

PS: You will be glad to know the balloon is safely tied around his armorer for the night. So it is safe till tomorrow morning :)

August 25, 2010

This was a really good side that we had with dinner tonight.

And it is EASY!

It is a tomato (cut the top off), sprayed with olive oil, topped with oregano, basil, parsley. I used fresh herbs, but you can use dried too! I also added garlic for a little extra taste!

Cook it at 350, for 20 minutes.

I didn't know what to expect... but it was a lot better than I thought it would be.

Enjoy!

August 24, 2010

Knitting... it is my new discovered (almost) talent!

I have been wanting to take knitting lessons for a long time.

A friend got me lessons for Christmas... and we finally went last night!

I am finding it a little challenging.. but with a little practice, I hope it will get easier!

I will let you know how it goes! I will have to blog about my first knitting project!

August 23, 2010

This past year has been a huge year for Robbie and I.

It was about a year ago that we decided to get serious about saving money. The year before was a rough year for us. Robbie's company went through a reorganization... his position was cut and he was moved to a different position. It is always hard to go through a change... and this change also affected our finances. We had to learn how to live on a lot less money, real fast.

After making some changes, we found that we were able to live... but wanted to know more about how to live intentionally and how to save in case we ever had to deal with a situation like this again.

Fortunately about 6 months later Robbie got his old job back... but we still thought it was important to learn how to manage money and not let it manage us.

This was about the time our church offered the Dave Ramsey's course on money called Financial Peace University.

I cannot say that at the time I really cared... because at that time all I cared about was the day to day. In my mind I simple thought "I have money today, I am good". But I was supportive of Robbie (he is the long term thinker in our marriage). Not that it wasn't important to me to save for tomorrow... but it was definitely more important for Robbie.

Robbie started going to these classes and would come home... He was on passion to SAVE SAVE SAVE... I will even be so honest with you to say I was a little afraid of what was ahead of me. The only thing I could imagine was living on P&J and water for the next 30 years. I remember thinking... I will never get to go on another vacation in my life at this savings rate :)

I also have to say that money was never really anything that Robbie and I argued about.... but I will say that I am sure I frustrated him more than he told me.

I didn't make the money in our family, so I never thought really anything about money when it came to our family. The problem with that was... I didn't know if we had money or not. So when it came time to buy something, I put it on the credit card.

Even though I never bought enough to get us into financial trouble... I also wasn't allowing us to save for emergencies. (Which I found would have been really helpful during our job situation earlier in life).

So as much as I got tired of hearing Robbie come home and talk about saving saving saving... I knew I needed to open my eyes and see a bigger picture other than the "today".

After a long talk about where our money went, and a compromise on what was reasonable to "live in today" and still "save for tomorrow"... we started our cash budget.

The first few months were really hard. I found myself without money about two days after payday. I was realizing just how fast I could swipe a card and not think twice. However, with no debit or credit card... I thought twice!

About month three I found it very comforting to know if my kids needed shoes... I had the money (because I had saved for it). I learned that waiting and planning ahead was way more rewarding than the quick fix.

Six months in we had paid off my college loan, our timeshare, and had built up our emergency fund.

This was also about the time we had decided that now was the time to go through with our adoption. Because of this, we have been able to pay cash and will not need to take out any loans!

On Saturday we got to hear Dave in person... I didn't know what I would walk away with. We had been through his class... so what was left to know?

Let me tell you...

One of the questions I ask most in life is why did we grow up so poor... but seem to have it together now? What is the point of money, and why at a young age have we (Robbie and I) been blessed with the ability to want to manage money (and it not manage us).

My question was answered this weekend.... and I believe we are given money to serve our families and others with it.

Robbie and I have a passion to give and know that sometimes a few extra dollars in someone else's hands can mean the world to them. But to do this... we need money to give. So by having no debt... we are free to give.

Next year we will have paid off all our debt and look forward to living a life debt free. Our last goal is to pay off Robbie's student loans.... then we will forever be debt free!

We now have short term goals (how to live in the "today") and also have our future goals (how to be prepared for "tomorrow").

I am thankful for our jobs today, and thankful we are able to serve others with our income.

I would highly recommend this program. I was telling Robbie... I love Dave's wisdom and the fact that he doesn't set out for everyone to be millionaires in the end. But allows for all people no matter what they make to be debt free, be prepared for their future and give back.

For us.. we hope this is a value that we will pass down to our kids.... and it becomes a legacy that will make a difference.

www.daveramsey.com/fpu

August 22, 2010

It's the final birthday this month that I am going to blog about... and this person is really special to me as well..... My friend Lindsey!

Happy Birthday!

I met her a few years ago when she booked me to do photos for her wedding. I remember thinking..."this has to be one of the nicest people on earth". And today I still think that!

I stayed connected with her through another friend who is also a client/friend, Seana. Lindsey and I did a jewelry party for her this summer... and since then I have really gotten to know Lindsey.

She has a heart that is so genuine. She is another person in my life that I can look up to and strive to be more like. She is beautiful not only on the outside, but inside as well.

We are now workout partners! I love this for two reasons:
1. Working out is 100% better with a friend!
2. I have a new friend that I get to see twice a week and am more thankful for each day.

I know Lindsey is going to be a person in my life that I will forever be thankful for!

I look forward to many more lunch dates, movie nights and getting to know you more!

Happy Birthday...

August 21, 2010

Happy Birthday Miss Teen Arizona!

While out for our friend Jason's birthday we met the sweetest girl.... the Hostess at the LivingRoom in Ocotillo.

While celebrating Jason's birthday, she had mentioned that it was her birthday too. So as we were leaving I told her about the yearlong blog and that this week was dedicated to birthdays...asked if I could take her photo and so here she is!

I am sorry about the photo quality... it was taken in the dark.

As I was taking her photo she went on to say that she is Miss Teen Arizona.

I was telling Robbie, it has already been fun blogging about so many different people, and it hasn't even been a full month. I cannot wait to see what the year brings!

Happy Birthday to Miss Teen Arizona!

**Speaking of the LivingRoom... definitely a place to check out! The food is great!**

August 20, 2010

Happy Birthday Jason!

Last night we celebrated a birthday with one of our very best friends. (Along with his wife KIM!)

I have to take you back in time.... It's important for the story.

Growing up, my husband and I knew a great couple through our church that were just amazing people. The Sugai's. The husband of this couple would later become my husbands small group leader (mentor) and later a good friend. I tell you this because we grew up in a town where people grew up together and just stayed close. The Sugai's were not only wonderful people they had a great group of friends to share life with.

So making the move out here was really hard for us. We left behind friends that we always thought we would do life with... but were now realizing that we were going to be on our own for a while. And to be honest it was a little lonely for the first few years.... and we talked all the time about "will we ever have friends like the Sugai's?".

We wondered if it was possible to meet such great people in such a big city.... ????

Then we met the Riggs. Little did we know at that time, they would become our friends that we do life with!

I cannot tell you exactly how our friendship became what it is today. I do know a few date nights turned into more date nights and then more date nights.... and then family trips.... and couple trips.... and here we are today.

I could tell you so many funny things... but I will save that for another blog post.

There have been so many moments where they have helped us figure out what to do next in life. Helping us make hard life decisions.

They are friends that have just the best hearts. They truly care about people and love people.

I have met very few people in life that would give you anything you would need just because. They are both people that I look up to and respect.

I have learned so many things from them along the way... but I am especially thankful for they way they talk about issues and take time to decide on what is truly the right decision for them and their family. They have shown us that there is a perfect timing for everything that happens in life and it doesn't always have to happen right then and there.

The reason why I am especially thankful for this new wisdom in my life... and am grateful I have gotten to see how waiting can be more rewarding that the "quick fix".... is because of our current situation with our adoption. Waiting for that right time has made all the difference in this whole situation. We have been able to save money for it (not needing to take out loans) and now we will begin a waiting period till we get our referral (child). This is going to take months.... But I can say today that I know God has a plan for our lives and the wait will be worth it. I have this outlook on life... only because of great friends that have set this example for us.

I can go on and on about just how much they mean to us...but I cannot think of the perfect words.... So with that being said...

Happy Birthday!

I am so glad that we get to share life with such amazing people!

August 19, 2010

Tonight as a family we will celebrate a really special birthday.

My father-in-law Rob.

Three years ago he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.... and given months to live. Here it is today, and he is turning another year older.

As of last month he was cancer free... so this is truly as special day to be thankful for another year with him.

Rob has more life in him than anyone I know.... and just might be on of the best father-in-laws I know.

For me he is really special. My dad died when I was 12, and so I feel really blessed to have married into a family that is really great.

So to me... he is the best dad I know!

And.... not only do I love birthdays, so do my kids!

They woke up so excited to see him and have cake with him.

The whole day has been spent counting down till the hour we see him.

Brock and I spent the day shopping (for the man that has everything)! He kept telling me with each thing we bought... "mom that is just not enough, we need to find him more". Hopefully he likes what we got. It is useful!

So, to the man that:

Fixes everything for us...

Helps Robbie with car issues....

and who Brock loves more than anyone else
(I think because of your same passion for cars)....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

There is no other MR. MR.... like YOU!

August 18, 2010

It was a busy day... and I am babysitting for our dear friends.

They have a cute little one, and our kids have had a blast having him.

Even Brock has been very excited to have this little one over!

So my blog will be short... but I will be blogging again tomorrow.

Resuming my week of Birthday Blogging!

I hope everyone is having a great week.

August 17, 2010

As I keep up with my birthday themed week....it was Devin's birthday over the weekend. (Happy Late Birthday!)

I have been wanting to blog about his gym for a little while....so I will honor his birthday, by blogging about his gym!

Empower 3 (gym) has played and important part of my last year....

I started going to Devin when I was having a lot of issues with my endometriosis. I was finding it hard to get motivated at the gym and with not feeling well....I found myself never going. Then I heard about Devin's gym and how you worked out in groups of three. So I thought, maybe that would keep me motivated to show up if had a partner and a personal trainer all in one.

Then in December I had a surgery due to my endometriosis and after the surgery in December started a drug therapy to get rid of the endometriosis cells that had already spread to organs that you can not remove. I knew going on this medication I was going to have some rough days ahead....but I stuck with the workouts. One of the side effects that probably bothered me the most was the weight gain....but with the help of Devin I was able to keep up with my strength and feel mentally good!

I did gain about 15 pounds by the end of the treatment, but have lost those pounds and a few more.

I have to thank Devin for all the great workouts and the help of the weight loss. Although I was never really good about keeping a food diary.... I did get the point to eat good food, eat smaller amounts, and eat more often. I am sure it would have taken much longer without his help.

I look forward to keeping heart healthy.....and I also love my workout partner! I met her a few years ago when she hired me to do photograph her wedding. You will get to meet her this weekend. Her birthday is on Saturday! She I will be blogging about her in just a few short days....

If you are interested in calling Devin for information his number is 480-440-1504.
(Lindsey and I have one more spot in our group if you want to workout with us)!

I love supporting a local business while keep healthy too!

August 16, 2010

birth·day

\ˈbərth-ˌdā\

noun

the day of a person's birth

_______________________________

Birthdays.

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS! And this week is birthday week for our family.

My father-in-law and two good friends will all celebrate another year this week.

I have always loved birthdays... from the time I could remember.

When I was little it was more about my own birthday, than anyone else's. I would torment my grandparents with a countdown that began months before my big day. I wanted to make sure they (and the rest of my family) had plenty of time to get plans together. There was just a little issue with my birthday.... My brother's birthday.

It took me years to understand how my brother, who two years younger than me, could have a birthday that was the day before mine.... and I am talking years. I think the last birthday I cried about this issues was when I was twelve... that is along time!

I will say now that I do enjoy the fact that he was almost born on my birthday... and it is easy to celebrate it all in one weekend... although it was much easier when we lived minutes away from each other.

Although birthdays were more about myself as a child... I have matured (somewhat) and I do look forward to birthdays in general.

Since having children, for me birthdays have come to be a time to reflect back on a year full of memories. I try not to get too sad that I wont do ________ again, or my kids won't _________ again... but more enjoy that time we had and look forward to the next year and all the memories that we will continue to have.

As an adult it is fun to be with close friends on our birthdays, and be able to say... remember when you turned ___ and we did_____.

Birthdays are just special days, and bring memories that are unforgetable!

Happy Birthday to everyone that will celebrate this week! I look forward to blogging about those that I will see this week to honor your special day!

August 15, 2010

This is my very first friend I met when I moved to Arizona 6 years ago.

My husband and I were at Outback having dinner. I overheard her and her husband talking about going to the Fireworks at Central Christian Church for the 4th of July.

Robbie and I had heard that they do a really nice firework show, and were talking about doing the same thing...

So I leaned over, said hello... and told them we were planning on doing the same. And asked if they wanted to go together...

I would normally never have done this... but we had been here a few months and I just wanted a friend!

Plus we both had babies... so I already knew we had one thing in common.

I gave her my number... and a day later... she called!

She would later tell me that she normally would never had called... and I would later tell her... I don't normally hand out my phone number.

I have to thank Jamiee for the wonderful friend she is...

Her family adopted us into hers when we didn't know anyone.

I also have to give her 100% credit for where I am at in my business today. She was the one who encouraged me, supported me... and gave me most of my referrals in those first few years.

I am still amazed that she believed in me so much... and had only known me such a short time.

I love Jamiee... she is still a wonderful friend.

Her daughter was my daughters first best friend... Maddyn (my daughter) would ask me hundred's of times a day "Where is H-e-nah at"?

I think it is amazing all of the things we have been through together and I know Jamiee will always be that sister I never had!

I am also really proud of her... Last year she opened her own space up to do hair, in the L'Mage Studios (Ray/101). "The Parlour" is a cute, fun space. I always tell her that my haircut days are the best 4 days of the year for me! She keeps me looking good!

Oh, I also have to thank her for letting me copy her style... she is the one that keeps me in on what is okay to wear. Without her... I would be lost in the world of fashion!

August 14, 2010

Datenights!

I love date nights!

I feel if there is one thing that my husband and I have always done right.... it's been scheduled date nights.

I love looking back at our first year of marriage... when a date night was a split meal and water. We had no money, but we knew it was important to get out and be with each other. So our $20 dollars a week went a long ways.

Now with kids, we have to plan a little in advance.... and some datenights happen at home. But it is the preplanned nights that make us look forward to no kids and just each other.

I always tell new married couples to have datenights... even when kids come. It is just time you need to catch-up and connect with each other.

Sometimes our nights out are just fun, sometimes they are serious, and sometimes we bring a pad of paper to do pros and cons about decisions we need to make... but this allows us to always be on the same page.

I feel very blessed that I have a husband that plans a lot of our nights out... but am also just thankful that 8 years later he is still my best friend. You will get to hear more about my husband next week, when I write about a HUGE accomplishment he is about to accomplish!

Thanks for the great night!

PS... we went to Fired up Grill and it was great. Another local place that I would recommend! Plus I loved our short, little Italian waiter... Guido!

August 13, 2010

Congratulations Liz and Casey! It was a beautiful wedding, even in 113 degree weather.

I love love shooting weddings, they always make me think about my own kids getting married one day.

I especially loved the photo booth they had at the wedding, i'm sure they will have many lasting memories from it!

Thank you Casey and Liz for letting me be a part of such a memorable day. I don't think it could have been any more perfect!

August 12, 2010

Brock.

He has recently heard me talking about this blog and all the people I plan on blogging about.

So tonight he ask...

"Can you Blog me?"

How can you say no.

He is just so cute... I love his little heart and he is definitly a mommys boy.

He makes me laugh a lot of the time... Since he talks 99.9% of the day... you would only asssume he says some pretty funny things. I fear that in a few short years he is going to be the class clown. He finds himself very funny which I think is going to be a problem when he goes to school.

I remember being pregnant with him, trying to think of the name that I thought would be best for him. We narrowed it down to a few, then had my husbands family (they live close) over to vote on the name. When it was decided that we would name him Brock... the only feedback that we got is "his is going to be a big kid, who plays football". Or if you had asked my father-in-law... he was going to be a "Racecar Driver". Well he is a big kid... doesn't like to get to rough most of the time... but does LOVE CARS. He is 100% like my father-in-law (I think is a good thing, most of the time) and looks just like my brother (that is a good thing).

I could see him being a huge nerd one day with his love of technology, but maybe the love of cars will bring him a "cool" factor along the way. But I do always say, its the smart ones that are the keepers!

The one thing that I love most about him (although it can often be frustrating) is that he needs at least ten hugs and kisses before he falls alseep at night. (I only say frustrating, because it can make for a long bedtime routine).

I cannot imagine a day without him...

So per Brocks request...

"I BLOGGED HIM!".

PS... for his little friend Tanner: Brock didn't want to be "BLOGGED" without you, but since I didn't have a photo of you, we will blog about your amazing 4 year old friendship later.

August 11, 2010

One of the things that I am looking forward to most is blogging about everyday people.. that do amazing things.

Teachers. They do amazing things everyday.

I didn't realize how much respect you can have for a teacher, until Maddyn went to Kindergarten last year.

I missed her so much, and I also worried who would teach her about life. How would she ever manage without me?? ...

But I have to tell you... she did with the help of an amazing teacher. Mrs. Grell was not only teaching her what she needed to know academically... She was also teaching her life skills.

With such a wonderful year last year... it is hard to think that this year could be any better. But I think it will. Mrs. Truzzolino is amazing with kids too. She seems to have that special connection with them. Plus I have only heard great things from other parents... so I am sure this year will be just as successful as last!

I do know her a bit, from our Monday night bootcamps... and I know she will challenge all the kids to be better people and to proud of what they will accomplish this year.

I feel so blessed to have another great teacher that will be with Maddyn this year as she starts her 1st grade.

I looked at her tonight and got a little sad when I saw her more as a young girl than a baby. She has her own little personality that is really starting to shine...I just love her!

So... needless to say our teachers spend hours a week with kids... and I am so so so so so grateful for all teachers (and today especially for Mrs. Truzzolino).

It's a job I know I could never do!

August 10, 2010

It's been ONE WEEK of my official BLOG!!

What better way to end the first week of blogging than to write about new friends.

I feel really blessed in life to have always had great friends... I even have some great friends that I have known since Jr. High School (one being my husband).

But I especially feel blessed when I get to expand friendships with people that are on the same journey that I am on... raising kids.

So, tonight I went to a BUNCO Night with some wonderful girls. It is nice to know that we all share a common denominator....kids... and that as much as we all love them... we all love the break to bond with other moms and be refreshed.

So THANK YOU to all the girls for a wonderful night. I have so many more thoughts.. but I am also so tired! So I will BLOG about those thoughts next time!

OH, THANKS for the (FIRST TIMERS) WIN!! I got the most BUNCOS!!

August 9, 2010

For those of you with dairy or nut allergies... this is a yummy recipe for you!

I personally didn't do the apple substitute.. but I am sure they would be good.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
For today's recipe, here's what you'll need:
1 cup of dairy-free margarine (or an equal amount of pureed banana)
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of cane sugar
1/4 cup of soy or rice milk
2 teaspoons of vanilla
2 1/4 cups of whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
12 ounces of dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

If you're feeling really bold, try substituting about three quarters of your dairy-free margarine with applesauce or apple butter. Just don't be surprised when your cookies taste a little... apple-y.

Prepare the Chocolate
Start by preheating your oven to 350, and begin prepping your ingredients. If you're not using non-dairy chocolate chips, try chopping a dark chocolate bar into chip-sized morsels on a cutting board, and set aside for later.

The darker you go, the less chance your chocolate will have an trace of dairy in it. Generally any chocolate that has a greater than 71% cacao content, is not likely to contain any milk or milk fat. But to be sure, always check the ingredients. You do read all your product labels for ingredients, right?
Mix the Cookie Wet Ingredients
Next, mix together your margarine or banana puree with the brown and cane sugar until they reach a smooth, fluffy consistency. Add in your soy or rice milk, then your vanilla.

If your mixture looks a little weird and curdled right now, that's okay. Don't panic. There's definitely no Lacto Bacillus Acidophillus bacteria coagulation going on here - it's just the solids separating temporarily from the liquids, which will all come together in the end with your piping hot delicious cookies.

Combine the Cookie Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine all your dry ingredients, then blend into the creamy mixture. Finally, add in your chips or chocolate chunks. Using a proper electric mixer definitely cuts down on the elbow grease needed in this recipe, but since you're soon to indulge yourself in some sugary sweet loveliness, why not earn it a little?

Bake the Chocolate Chip Cookies
Next it's time to drop your dough batter onto a lightly greased or oiled cookie sheet in spoon sized dollops a couple inches apart, and pop 'em into the over for about 9 minutes. Remove them from the over and place on racks to cool. The ideal cookie should be a little crispy and browned, but soft and sumptuous at every bite.

August 8, 2010

Another school year is starting.

This is the last week of Summer Break for us...

It is a week of mixed emotions.

We have had a great summer. Better than I thought it could be. With our two trips to California, camps and movie Tuesdays... the summer could not have been better. I love all the memories that I have gotten to share with my kids this summer!

As sad as I am to see this summer come to an end, I am ready for a schedule again. I am also ready to go back to work! My first wedding is this week... I LOVE WEDDINGS!

So tonight I am getting ready for meet the teacher tomorrow. We are very excited to start this year with some wonderful teachers.

Tomorrow I will bake some nut/dairy-free chocolate chip cookies for "meet the teacher" night... and will post the recipe on the blog tomorrow.

"Cheers" to summer....It was a great one!

August 7, 2010

We always try our best as a family to support local businesses.

We are huge fans of all of Joe's restaurants in Gilbert... but since we moved to Ahwatukee... it was time to find some new spots.

A client told me about the Pomegranate Restaurant next to Trader Joe's this week, and I am so excited to go there with her soon....

But tonight...

We went to Hill Side Spot and to Zoyo... and I have nothing bad to say.

At Hill Side Spot the food is fresh! The waitress was telling us they only have a small frig/freezer. You can tell... the food was amazing. Even the corn rocks!

I should also add that they support all local shops as well... so everything they buy comes from locals!

As amazing as the desert looked at Hill Side Spot... we had promised the kids Yogurt... so we then went to Zoyo.

Again...wonderful!

They even have a dairy-free orange flavor that is really good. This says a lot coming from a chocolate lover.

You should try them... I am sure you will not be disappointed.

August 6, 2010

The Pig.

As many of you know we are adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia. We are almost done with all of our paperwork, and then will begin the waiting.

Our kids love talking about "the baby". They talk about her name, who will feed her, what she will do... everything they can talk about regarding a baby they do.

They also ask to get her anything baby and pink... so every time we go to target they have asked to get her this pig since the beginning summer.

The other day, we were getting a few things and we walked right by the pig... So here come the questions..."can we get the baby the pig?".

The answer has been no all summer... but this time I asked them why would they want to get the baby a pig (piggy-bank). Their answer was..."so we can help save money for her". (I think they hear Robbie and I talk about saving for our travel there)

So, how can you say no to that?

So along with Robbie and I saving our pennies... our sweet kids are too.

The PIG looks great in her room, and is a reminder that we are just one more step closer to knowing who she will be and what she will look like.

We are so excited for this coming change.

It looks like she will come home next summer... and although that seems like a long time away... I am sure it will be here in no time!

August 5, 2010

I said I would never do it... But I am.

Coupon Sense.

I went to a class tonight, and walked out excited to save.

Although I am a fairly organized person... this is a bit overwhelming.

I think my friends and I got lumped in to the "special needs" category with all the questions we asked.

I will have to let you know how it goes.

My main motivation is saving for our two trips to Ethiopia... We have been faithful this far as to where the money will come from. So I feel at this point this is just one more thing that we can do that can save us more.

I have never been a fan of Coupon Sense before... We eat mostly fresh food and hardly any boxed foods..... But I look forward to saving on Toilet paper, paper towels, and all those other necessities!

I have to admit that I cannot get over the fact that you can get a $17 razor for pennies!

So... tomorrow starts this journey on saving a dollar or two!

For those of you who are confused on why we are saving for Ethiopia... that blog is coming tomorrow!

{BLOG} August 4, 2010

Telephones...

It's been a week of bad luck with the Boddy family and phones...

First our home phone connection went bad...

Then I got a new cell phone and since I am not use to the touch screen, I think I disconnect everyone I talk to! (sorry if this has happened to you)

So I am posting these photos of my Great-grandmother's telephone.

Reminding me of simpler days when we did not have internet, cell phones or overbooked schedules!

I love this phone and I still use it in my house today!

August 3, 2010

Little Mr. G

I love this little boy!

He was the highlight of the day.

I have never met a happier baby... You cannot help but love his endless smiles.

.......................................................................

You don’t raise heroes; you raise sons.
And if you treat them like sons,
they’ll turn out to be heroes,
even if it’s just in your own eyes.

~ Walter Schirra Sr.

August 2, 2010

Frogs.

Our friends had us over this weekend to swim in their NEW Pool... however were apparently were not the first to swim.

Inside the grado the kids found a little frog.

It reminds me of being little... When I would visit my grandparents in the summer, I thought baby mice and frogs were the best things ever.

I think I have changed my mind!

Although he is pretty cute.

August 1, 2010

It's the beginning of the next 365 days.

Although I might be late in getting this up... it is still August 1st!

I am going to cheat a little to start... This photos is not a new photo..It is actually one of my very first photos I every took professionally.

It is of my daughter Maddyn.

I feel like if I am going to share important moments with everyone over this next year, I need to go back to the start of it all... My Daughter.

I have always loved photos. I love looking at all different types of photos, but I especially love the photos that capture an expression that is priceless.

My daughter captured my heart like no one else. She has these almond shaped eyes that were just stunning... and a smile to go along with it. She also had these serious faces that were just as priceless.

When it came time to get some photos done, I just wanted to capture her personality so looking back I would always remember her at this age.

No one seemed to be able to capture her... and get those moments.

So wanting these photos so bad, I decided to do them myself.

With a little luck, I was able to mentor alongside another photographer, and it started a journey I never imagined I would be on today.

These are photos from my very first professional studio session that I did with her. I am so glad I have these to look back at. She still has those almond shaped eyes, and she still gets that same serious look from time to time.

Maddyn is now 6... and is still my favorite person to photograph. I feel very blessed to be the one that gets to capture so many of her moments in time.

She reminds me a lot of myself and even more my Grandmother. I am glad that she shares our passion for serving people and being a good friend.

She is the start of it all, and I am thankful for her (for so many reasons).

I love you Maddyn.